American armed twist

Chico, California

PPP impurities

• Pakistan has been a riddle for India and our political leadership. Since its very creation on August 14, 1947, it has been perceived as a threat. Yet, in this hour of crisis we all must support Pervez Musharraf in handling a tricky situation. There is a need for a gradual transition of power, therefore this is not the right time for elections. I have been an ardent supporter of democracy and human rights but in the case of Pakistan rampant corruption in the political echelons, especially in the PPP, militates against the resumption of democracy immediately. Incidentally, the very fact that the mantle of the party’s leadership goes to Bilawal, a 19-year-old, indicates the level of nepotism in this party.

— Manoj Joshi

Navi Mumbai

Benazir nonpareil

• The editorial, ‘Daughter of destiny’ and related pieces published in your pages are a befitting tribute to the Daughter of the East who was politician par excellence and who kept her father’s political legacy alive in a male-dominated society. Bhutto championed popular causes and gave a sense of dignity to the common man. Her personality symbolised the unity of Pakistan through its presence in every corner of the country. Her death has heralded the end of an era and altered her nation’s destiny for ever. My apprehensions are that no one in Pakistan, or the world outside, really knows how to pull the country out of the crisis. Bhutto’s death will, hopefully, make institutions, political parties, intellectuals and, most importantly, the people of Pakistan close ranks.

— Vitull K. Gupta

Bhatinda

BJP’s state showcase

• BJP’s win in Himachal and Gujarat shows that the party has done a lot of homework in the last four years. But it must remember that it won a lot of seats in Gujarat and Himachal just because the Congress didn’t have local leaders. Even the BSP’s participation in the elections snatched a lot of votes from the Congress, which would have helped the party to gain more seats in the elections. Therefore, the BJP must remember that Delhi is still too far and they have miles to go. If they want to come back to the Centre, they will have to deliver better governance .

— Shailesh Kumar

Bangalore

Wishing jawans

• We wish our armed forces, other security agencies and their families a very happy new year. Even as we sit ensconced in the comfort, warmth and safety of our homes, our brave jawans and officers maintain eternal vigil while deployed on the inhospitable border posts, snow-capped cliffs, dense forests, on the choppy seas and in turbulent skies. We recognise the valuable services rendered by our brave disciplined men in uniform, and salute them for their exemplary spirit of sacrifice and sense of duty.

— S.C. Kapoor

Noida